An atmospheric setting for a musical performance helps create that extra special experience. This will certainly be true of the next concert by Musica Poetica in the magnificent church of St Michael’s Highgate on 15 October.

St. Michael’s, Highgate stands higher than any other church in London. As you enter you are level with the cross on top of St. Paul’s Cathedral. The spire is a landmark on London’s northern skyline from the hills to the south. The upper portion has been rebuilt three times, twice following lightning strikes and the third time after damage from enemy action in WW2.

As London expanded rapidly in the C19 and Act of Parliament was passed in 1818 for the Building and the Promotion of Building Additional Churches in Populous Parishes. As a result, 600 new churches were built in different parts of the country including St Michael’s.

The architect of this dramatic neo-gothic building was Lewis Vulliamy whose designs for the church were exhibited at the Royal Academy. When the church was completed in 1832 in just 11 months and for a mere £8,171 it was said of him that he was “far in advance of his contemporaries at a period when Gothic was but little known”.

Interior of St Michael’s Highgate

Inside, the original building seated 1527 people but in 1880 the architect G.E.Street extended the church eastwards forming a new chancel. Today St Michael’s with its lofty nave and side aisles provide the perfect acoustic for musical performances.

Experience it for yourself on 15 October with The 250 Mile Walk as Musica Poetica retrace the steps of JS Bach on his famous pilgrimage to hear the great organist Buxtehude in Lübeck.

Tickets at £15 include a glass of Prosecco and are available on the door.